MX-80

Bloomington, Indiana’s MX-80 Sound – later known simply as MX-80 – was an art rock / experimental rock group founded in 1974 by guitarist Bruce Anderson and bassist Dale Sophiea. Operating in a musical universe that was several years ahead of its time, the band’s sound resembled what would later be referred to as noise rock, acid punk, and post-punk. Their cacophony of musical chaos didn’t immediately find an audience, but they have become extremely influential over the years. Adding additional members in 1975 and 1976 – drummers Jeff Armour and Dave Mahoney, guitarist / saxophonist Rich Stim – the band released their debut EP, Big Hits, in 1976. Sounding like the musical link between the art-rock of Captain Beefheart and the noise rock of Sonic Youth, MX-80 Sound was immediately embraced by lovers of experimental rock. They followed that release with their debut full-length album Hard Attack (1977) before relocating to San Francisco, California in 1978. Signing with The Residents’ Ralph Records, they released their next album, Out of the Tunnel, in 1980. The following year, the group released their album Crowd Control (1981), their second and final album for the Ralph Records label. After leaving Ralph, the group shortened their name to MX-80, and pursued a slightly darker sound. Their line-up had evolved over the years and by the 1990s, the music scene had finally caught up with their trailblazing musical style. They continued to release albums sporadically – including Das Love Boat (1990), Always Leave ‘Em Wanting Less (1997), We’re an American Band (2005), Hougher House (2021), and Better Than Life (2022) – although they kept a low commercial profile. Founding member and guitarist Bruce Anderson died on January 11, 2022.

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